The Congo international has recovered from a heel injury and Rafa Benitez is ready to restore him to his back four. Mbemba has not played since being forced off during the 3-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park

But United are still sweating on Fabricio Coloccini’s fitness ahead of the crunch clash. Coloccini is still troubled by a calf injury picked up on the club’s warm weather training camp in La Manga.

Benitez also has Papiss Cisse back for the meeting at St James’ Park while Gabriel Obertan and Sylvain Marveaux also trained in the build-up to the game.

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He said: “Chancel Mbemba has trained, Fabricio Coloccini has not. Steven Taylor will be okay.

“We know every game between now and the end of the season is important, but especially this one. A derby is massive for the city and the fans. We have to try and win.”

The Magpies have lost the last six games to Sunderland in the Premier League and also went down 6-0 in the infamous “secret derby” behind-closed-doors on Wearside earlier this year at the Stadium of Light.

The corresponding fixture last season resulted in United losing 1-0 to a late goal at St James’ Park.